For several months I have been having interesting discussions with a variety of friends about derivative work. My two previous essays have focussed on the topic. My friend artist and blogger Janet Riehl offered the following continuum of derivative work:
1. Copied
Copying has a place as a part of an apprenticeship.
2. Appropriated
In this case little is added to the work being emulated and the style and content are used as one's own.
3.  Derivation
Derivation is seen by Janet to be more positive and accurate than derivative. Deriving means the artist got to the place they are and made the piece they did through studying another's work and creating with the same flavour. Here there is matter of degree and intention from appropriation.
4. Influenced
Often an artist is influenced by another's work. Here the word is used to suggest working in the same tradition, but have strongly added a personal voice.
5. Homage
Offers a nod to the work of the person who influences you.

In the quilt world copying is encouraged through the industry that has grown up around the craft. Courses are offered, books are sold to encourage a mentality of copying. I think this is very confusing for people who are working hard to develop their skills and are relying on the quilt industry for their education.

As an example, several years ago I judged a local show where a beautifully executed quilt was very popular with the other judges. I refused to give it an award because the maker claimed that it was original work despite the fact that it was clearly the design of a popular quilt author. This same quilt later won a national prize as an original work of art. Clearly not all judges share my view.

We have seen many examples of appropriated work. It is difficult to avoid. I recall an article written by my friend Barbara Brackman who thought she was planning an original quilt to present at some meeting. She used black and white thinking it was a unique approach. When she arrived at the meeting she found that everyone had chosen to use black and white in an attempt at originality. This is so difficult to avoid in our pop culture world.

In a recent program about copying on CBC Radio this process was referred to as cryptomnesia. Cryptomnesia literally means hidden memory. It is said to be the origin of experiences that people believe to be original but are actually based on memories of past events. One example cited in the program involved Mick Jagger using phrases of a k.d. Lang song. When he realized what he had done he contacted k.d. and arranged to give her credit as well as compensation.

In Janet's list there is a distinction between appropriation and derivation. Perhaps appropriation is a less conscious process. When we see black and white touted in the magazines and on TV it is difficult to not be drawn in. Derivation on the other hand results from careful study and practice.

We will always be influenced by something (probably many things). In the case of the influences in our art work I think it is crucial to be able to acknowledge our influences. A trap is to want to be like someone else. As we develop our own voice we need to be able to be articulate regarding the influences on our work.

Homage in my way of thinking is both intentional and respectful. It requires a level of sophistication and personal understanding.

Although I am ready to move on to other essay topics, I am sure I will continue to think about this one. I expect that my work will be changed as a result of taking the time to consider exactly what derivative work is and what it means to me. If you have thoughts on this topic, I would love to hear them.

© C O P Y R I G H T   2 0 1 0.  Mary Sullivan Holdgrafer ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.